About Us
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Mission
Recognizing that gay, bi, queer, trans, two-spirit guys, and other guys who are into guys constitute a population that experience significant disparities in their health and wellness, it is the mission of Gay Zone to reduce the transmission of STIs among GBTQ2+ guys by providing culturally-appropriate screening and treatment of STIs, anonymous testing for HIV, and complementary programs to enhance their wellness and build community.
Vision
We envision a vibrant community of self-affirming GBTQ2+ guys of all ages caring for themselves and for each other, and living integrated and abundant lives of complete equality.
Values
As GBTQ2+ guys, we have the right to health and well-being. Our health and wellness have physical, mental, spiritual, sexual, and social aspects that include community building and working for social justice. The following core values guide our decisions.
- Our sexuality in its myriad expressions is an integral and natural part of our being and gives meaning and pleasure to our lives.
- GBTQ2+ guys have the right to satisfying sex lives free from guilt, stigma, coercion, violence, and shame.
- GBTQ2+ guys have the right to choose their forms of sexual intimacy with others. This will be enhanced through strengthening of our ability to be fully informed about risks and safety.
- Our harm-reduction approach enhances the capacities and right of GBTQ2+ guys to make informed choices that fit with our personal values and help us to manage risk in our lives.
- GBTQ2+ guys are not victims but have a proud tradition of overcoming adversity and oppression as individuals and communities.
- GBTQ2+ guys are individually and collectively healthy, reasonable, life-affirming, and successful in creating fulfilling and meaningful lives.
- GBTQ2+ guys are resilient, creative, and strong, and we build on our strengths and commitment to thrive even under formidably difficult circumstances.
- We acknowledge, embrace, and celebrate our diverse communities as a source of strength and insight. Transmen and non-binary identified individuals are included in our community.
- We acknowledge and respect the various stages of self-acceptance in the lives of GBTQ2+ guys we serve.
- We strive to free ourselves of biases to enable us to work across our differences.
- Services are delivered in a congenial environment in a manner that is respectful, non-judgmental, and affirming.
- Services are culturally appropriate to the GBTQ2+ community and its diverse and intersecting identities.
- Advocacy at the individual, community, and systemic level is fundamental to community building.
- The health of GBTQ2+ guys emerges from its healthy community. HIV continues to have a cataclysmic impact upon our private and communal lives. In view of this, we work to achieve well-being by creating spaces to heal our losses and rebuild and revive our communities.
- We foster community by reaching across generations to provide mentors and role models for younger GBTQ2+ guys and other guys who are new to our community.
- GBTQ2+ guys are involved in all phases of planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of programs.
- We aim to engage GBTQ2+ guys in their health and wellness.
- Wellness and good health are not just the absence of disease, but encompass physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, sexual, and social well-being.
- Although HIV/AIDS remains a priority in our lives, it does not define the GBTQ2+ community.
- Our services are not crisis-driven but are part of a long-term strategy to enhance our health and wellness.
- Our wellness model is more than just a response to symptoms, it extends to health promotion to address the determinants of health and reduce vulnerability.
- The needs of GBTQ2+ guys are constantly changing, and we aim to be aware of ongoing and emerging trends of the health of the GBTQ2+ community.
- We aim to learn about and adapt to new research and new technologies that will help us improve the health of GBTQ2+ guys.
- We are open to change that will create a positive impact on the holistic health of GBTQ2+ guys and their communities.
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